Sap & Secrets

A Surprise Baby Firefighter Romance (Maplewood, Book 1)

De: Daphne Elliot

Narrado por: Vanessa Edwin, Connor Crais

A Surprise Baby Firefighter Romance from Amazon Bestselling Author Daphne Elliot

Nine months ago, I had one perfect, reckless night with Jasper Lawrence, the tall, tattooed firefighter who made me feel fearless. I told myself it was a mistake I’d never repeat.

Then he finds me at the Maple Festival… in labor with our surprise baby.

The best part? I had no idea I was pregnant.

Now Jasper is everywhere. The two of us stumble through new parenthood together. And he doesn’t just step up, he moves in. Almost. He pitches a tent in my backyard and sleeps outside so he’s never far away from us. He’s a shirtless, helpful menace who cooks, cleans, and cuddles our son. He makes me feel safe, seen, and wanted. And I hate how much I love it.

Every time I shove him away, he shows back up, golden retriever energy and all, with coffee and pastries in tow, ready to carry the baby, the groceries, and occasionally me.

I came to Maplewood, Vermont, to discover my independence. But it’s hard to keep my distance when the town’s been shaken by danger, the scars from my past refuse to stay buried, and the firefighter I should absolutely avoid keeps setting my world on fire.

Turns out the biggest threat to me in America’s most charming small town might be the man who won’t stop rescuing me.

Author’s Note: Sap & Secrets is a small-town romance featuring a curvy black cat, a tattooed golden retriever, and a (very cute) surprise baby. If you enjoy acts of service, small-town shenanigans, and maple syrup madness, you will not be disappointed.

Series Blurb: Welcome to Maplewood, Vermont. America’s Most Charming Small Town has some dark, sticky secrets. Come for the maple syrup, festivals, and cheese wars; stay for swoon.

©2026 Melody Publishing, LLC (P)2026 Melody Publishing, LLC

DNF FMC is insufferable

This started off ok, but then the FMC was so wishy washy, jerking the MMC around. He's Mr
Perfect and she's a jerk. Neither trope was well planned and the back and forth was too much. I lost interest about a third of the way through so I skipped several chapters. I was about 2/3 of the way through when I gave up. It was one bad decision too for an unlikable character.

I think the author has potential, but missed the mark on this book.

unbearable FMC & miscommunication trope

the fmc really did this book a disservice she was whiny and moody and just generally a mess when everyone around her was trying to help. the baby daddy literally couldnt make progress with her rheir chemistry came off so stale bc of it

steamy

I'm a 47 year Vt. transplant and loved this book. My work has had me work with a major VT. Maple syrup business so I could relate to this story on a deeper level than most people. The places although fictional, put me in the NEK, and Warren VT areas. I've shared it with my friends, especially when I finished chapter 27. This isn't 50 shades of Grey, but has similar writing later in the book. Men might like the steamy chapters as well. Thank you for a great getaway!

Good story but a little short on the ending…

Enjoyed this story for the most part. A bit of a cliffhanger at the end though.

Grab your heart for a great ride.

Great character & world building. the angst is palpable and sweet. it's hot ride.